Gazing balls are one of the oldest and newest fads in garden décor. The art of blowing the hollow glass balls came from Bavaria and Venice. At the end of 1300 AD in Venice, these hollow, iridescent glass balls were said to be a sign of fertility. The balls were originally put in hazelnut branches, as legend tells that the Holy Mary fled to Egypt and supposedly took cover from a thunder storm under a hazelnut tree. The balls were decorated with colored bands, blossoms and greenery. Bavarian’s fairy-tale King Ludwig II named the iridescent glass balls “Dreamballs”. They decorated the path into his garden pavilion on Castle Hill on the Starnberger Sea.

In early times it was said that these glassy art pieces had mysterious powers: to protect against illness or evil in the garden, house or inhabitants; good fortune was increased, bad luch kept away. Even the colors had magic ability: Ruby Red – preserves love and faith; Agate Green – provides abundant harvest; Topaz Blue – prevents war(“No war in the country and no blood on the soil”, as found in old writings).

In 1612, the clerical Antonion NERI named them “Lightballs”, saying that through these balls the light, as a symbol of life, comes down from heaven to make earth fertile.

These gazing balls also had useful function: The “Hawkball” served as a protection of all feathered animals, because it’s sparkle was used as a scarecrow to keep the birds of pretty away. Today again, it is the sparkle and the reflection of the sunlight that provokes the use of the glasslights in the garden or on the balcony.

“Roseballs” were glass balls used in weddings. They were thrown against the wall of the bride’s house, and with this gesture the bride was wished good fortune when moving into her new home.

Gazing Globe

The Gazing Globe is a blown glass work of art. Each globe is made individually; therefore each one is uniquely different. A slight variation in the color and texture of the glass is normal is normal since each one is a hand blown piece of art.

The Gazing Globe makes a wonderful addition to any yard or garden. But remember to keep the following in mind to prolong the beauty and life of your Gazing Globe.

·Do not remove the rubber cap at the stem of the glove. This cap keeps the inside of the globe free of moisture, which would discolor the globe on the inside.

·Do not fill the glove with any substances. This includes sand or water. Doing so many results in sudden breakage or damage to the coloration of the globe.

·The globe should never be used as a toy for children.

·During inclement weather it is best to remove the globe from its pedestal or stand to avoid possible damage.